Tonneau cover fastening system

ABSTRACT

A fastener includes a generally planar plate, which is sewn into a cover. The fastener includes a first arm and a second arm, each extending from the plate to a distal end in spaced relationship. The first arm includes a concave portion having an arcuate shape. The second arm includes a concave portion having an arcuate shape opposing the concave portion of the first arm. The concave portions of the first and second arms cooperate together to define a generally circular cross section defining a non-compressed width, and are compressible toward each other to define a compressed width. A rail includes an elongated channel having a channel opening, with the first and second arms insertable through the channel opening when the first and second arms are compressed into the compressed diameter and biased into the non-compressed diameter to retain the first and second arms within the elongated channel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applicationSer. No. 60/864,315, filed on Nov. 3, 2006, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The subject invention relates to a fastening system, and morespecifically to a fastener for detachably coupling a tonneau cover to arail.

2. Description of the Related Art

Tonneau cover fastening systems for attaching a weatherproof tonneaucover to a bed of a truck are well known in the art. These fasteningsystems typically include a rail system disposed on the sidewalls of thetruck bed, to which the tonneau cover is attached. A common fasteningsystem includes a plurality of snap connectors disposed around theperiphery of the tonneau cover and interconnecting the rails and thetonneau cover. The snap connectors include a male portion attached tothe tonneau cover and a female portion attached to the rails. The railsdefine a channel, in which the female portion of the snap connectors areslideably disposed. Accordingly, the female portion of the snapconnectors must be positioned longitudinally along the channel to matewith the male portion of the snap connectors attached to the tonneaucover.

In an attempt to minimize the hassle of attaching the tonneau cover tothe rails, different fastening systems have been developed that do notrequire aligning the female portion of the snap connectorslongitudinally along the rail with the male portions. U.S. Pat. No.5,522,635 issued to Downey (the '635 patent) discloses a fasteningsystem for tonneau covers that permits the male portion of the snapconnectors to snap into a elongated female portion extending along anentire length of the rail. Accordingly, there is no need tolongitudinally align the male portion of the snap connectors with thefemale portion. The male portion of the snap connectors may be insertedinto the longitudinally extended female portion anywhere along thelength of the elongated female portion and slide into the appropriatelongitudinal position. As disclosed in the '635 patent, the rail definesa channel having lower grooves disposed in opposing sidewalls of thechannel. The elongated female portion includes a flat base extendinginto each of the grooves in the sidewalls of the channel to secure theelongated female portion transversely within the channel. A pair of armsextends from the flat base of the elongated female portion to a detentend defining a down-turned lip. The male portion of the snap connectorsincludes a square panel, which is sewn into the tonneau cover to connectthe male portion to the tonneau cover. A head extends from the squarepanel to a ridge at the end thereof. When connected together, the ridgeof the male portion mechanically locks with the lips on the arms of theelongated female portion. While the fastening system disclosed in the'635 patent permits the male portion of the snap connectors to beattached to the elongated female portion, the snap connectors are stillrequired to include separate male portions and female portions.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,652 issued to Rushford (the '652 patent) alsoprovides a fastening system for attaching the tonneau cover to therails. The fasteners disclosed in the '652 patent include a plate havinga retention mechanism. The retention mechanism includes a first arm anda second arm extending from the plate in spaced parallel relationship toa distal end. The first and second arms each include a lip disposed atthe distal end thereof for engaging the channel wall in a snap fitconnection. A biasing device extends diagonally between the first armand the plate to bias the first arm against the channel wall, therebyrestraining the fastener to the rail. The fasteners may engage the railat any location along the channel, and are slideably within the channel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

The subject invention provides a fastener for detachably coupling aflexible cover to a rail. The rail includes an elongated channel havinga channel opening. The channel opening defines an opening width. Thefastener comprises a plate. A first arm extends from the plate to adistal end, and includes a concave portion having an arcuate shape. Asecond arm extends from the plate in spaced relationship to the firstarm. The second arm extends to a distal end and includes a concaveportion having an arcuate shape opposing the concave portion of thefirst arm. The concave portion of the second arm cooperates with theconcave portion of the first arm to define a generally circular crosssection having a non-compressed diameter greater than the opening widthof the channel opening. The first arm and the second arm compressibletoward each other to define a compressed diameter less than the openingwidth of the channel opening, thereby permitting insertion of the firstarm and the second arm into the elongated channel and removal of thefirst arm and the second arm from the elongated channel.

Accordingly, the fastener of the subject invention relies on the concaveportion of the first arm and the concave portion of the second arm beingpositioned within the elongated channel and defining the non-compresseddiameter to retain the fastener on the rail. The opposing concaveportions act as a spring against the rail to draw the plate of thefastener against the rail. Additionally, the generally circular crosssection defined by the concave portion of the first arm and the concaveportion of the second arm are self-aligning within the channel opening.Thus, the fastener of the subject invention is easier to use than thefasteners previously utilized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated,as the same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tonneau cover fastening system on abed of a truck;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view along cut line 2-2 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end view of a fastener in a non-compressed state;

FIG. 3 a is an end view of the fastener in a compressed state

FIG. 4 is a first side view of the fastener;

FIG. 5 is a second side view of the fastener opposite that shown in FIG.4;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the fastener; and

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a rail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate correspondingparts throughout the several views, a fastening system is generallyshown at 20. Referring to FIG. 1, the fastening system 20 is for atonneau cover 22. The cover 22 is typically disposed over an open truckbed 24 to enclose the truck bed 24, and is manufactured from awaterproof or water resistant material, such as vinyl, leather, plastic,or some other suitable material. It should be understood, however, thatthe cover 22 may also be utilized for boats, containers, or for coveringother similar objects.

The fastening system 20 includes at least one rail 26. Referring toFIGS. 2 and 7, the rail 26 includes a base wall 28, a top wall 30 spacedfrom and generally parallel to the base wall 28, and a generallyvertical wall 32 extending from the base wall 28 to the top wall 30.Preferably, the vertical wall 32 extends from an approximate midsectionof the base wall 28, to an approximate midsection of the top wall 30. Asshown, the vertical wall 32 includes a stepped or z shape

The rail 26 further includes an elongated channel 34. The elongatedchannel 34 includes a channel opening 36, which defines an opening widthW. The base wall 28 includes a first lip 38 and the top wall 30 includesa second lip 40 opposing the first lip 38. The first lip 38 and thesecond lip 40 extend toward each other to define the channel opening 36between the first lip 38 and the second lip 40. Accordingly, theelongated channel 34 is bounded and defined by the top wall 30, thevertical wall 32, the bottom wall, and extends the length of the rail26. The first lip 38 on the base wall 28 and the second lip 40 on thetop wall 30 define the channel width therebetween.

Typically, when the cover 22 is utilized to cover 22 a truck bed 24, arail 26 is disposed on top of each of the two sidewalls, a front wall,and the tail gate of the truck bed 24 as is shown in FIG. 1. It shouldbe understood, however, that when the cover 22 is utilized in othercircumstances, the rails 26 may be otherwise disposed than as requiredto attach the cover 22 to the truck bed 24. Preferably, the rails 26 aremanufactured from and comprise a metal. More preferably, the metalcomprises aluminum. However, it should be appreciated that othersuitable materials may also be utilized. The rails 26 are typicallyattached to the walls of the truck bed 24 by clamps, but other methodsof attaching the rails 26 to the truck bed 24 may also be utilized.

The fastener 42 system 20 further comprises a plurality of fasteners 42.The fasteners 42 are attached to the cover 22 for detachably couplingthe cover 22 to the rail 26. Accordingly, the fasteners 42 arereleasably engaged within the elongated channel 34 to couple the cover22 to the rail 26 as is shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, the fasteners 42are sewn into the cover 22. However, it should be appreciated, that thefasteners 42 may be attached to the cover 22 by other methods, such asby an adhesive or some other suitable method, depending upon thematerials utilized for the cover 22 and the fasteners 42.

Referring to FIGS. 3 through 6, each of the fasteners 42 includes agenerally planar plate 44. The plate 44 is preferably square. However,it should be appreciated that the plate 44 may also be rectangular,circular, or some other shape if so desired.

As best shown in FIG. 3, a first arm 46 extends from the plate 44 to adistal end. The first arm 46 includes a first concave portion 48 havingan arcuate shape, and a first convex portion 50 having an arcuate shapeopen opposite the first concave portion 48 of the first arm 46. Thefirst convex portion 50 of the first arm 46 interconnects the plate 44and the first concave portion 48 of the first arm 46. Accordingly, thefirst convex portion 50 and the first concave portion 48 of the firstarm 46 cooperate to define a generally vertical sinusoidal shape. Thefirst convex portion 50 of the first arm 46 defines a first pocket 52for engaging the rail 26 therein when the first arm 46 and the secondarm 54 of the fastener 42 are fully disposed within the elongatedchannel 34.

As best shown in FIG. 3, a second arm 54 extends from the plate 44 inspaced relationship to the first arm 46 to a distal end. The second arm54 includes a second concave portion 56 having an arcuate shape, whichopposes the first concave portion 48 of the first arm 46. The second arm54 further includes a second convex portion 58 having an arcuate shapeopen opposite the second concave portion 56 of the second arm 54. Thesecond convex portion 58 of the second arm 54 interconnects the plate 44and the second concave portion 56 of the second arm 54. Accordingly, thesecond convex portion 58 and the second concave portion 56 of the secondarm 54 cooperate together to define a generally vertical sinusoidalshape, which is generally a mirror image of the generally verticalsinusoidal shape defined by the first convex portion 50 and the firstconcave portion 48 of the first arm 46. The second convex portion 58 ofthe second arm 54 defines a second pocket 60 for engaging the rail 26therein when the first arm 46 and the second arm 54 of the fastener 42are fully disposed within the elongated channel 34.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first concave portion 48 of the first arm 46and the second concave portion 56 of the second arm 54 cooperatetogether to define a generally circular cross section. The generallycircular cross section includes a non-compressed diameter D1 greaterthan the opening width W of the channel opening 36 to retain the firstarm 46 and the second arm 54 within the elongated channel 34 and securethe fastener 42 to the rail 26. Referring to FIG. 3 a, the first arm 46and the second arm 54 are compressible toward each other to define acompressed diameter D2 less than the opening width W of the channelopening 36 to permit insertion of the first arm 46 and the second arm 54of the fastener 42 into the elongated channel 34 and removal of thefirst arm 46 and the second arm 54 of the fastener 42 from the elongatedchannel 34.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 3 a, each of the fasteners 42 furtherincludes a biasing device 62 for biasing the distal end of the first arm46 and the distal end of the second arm 54 into a neutral position. Theneutral position defines the non-compressed diameter D1. Preferably, thebiasing device 62 includes a spring. As shown, the spring includes abent spring bar having a first end attached to the distal end of thefirst arm 46 and a second end attached to the distal end of the secondarm 54. However, it should be appreciated that the spring, and thebiasing device 62 in general, may be configured and include devicesother than shown or described herein.

The distal end of the second arm 54 is spaced from the plate 44 adistance, which is greater than the distance the distal end of the firstarm 46 is spaced from the plate 44. This prevents the distal end of thefirst arm 46 from interfering with the distal end of the second arm 54during compression of the first arm 46 and the second arm 54 towardseach other.

The second arm 54 includes a tab 64 extending from the distal end of thesecond arm 54 towards and over the distal end of the first arm 46 inoverlapping relationship. Accordingly, the tab 64 spans the space or gapbetween the distal end of the first arm 46 and the distal end of thesecond arm 54. This helps align the first arm 46 and the second arm 54within the channel opening 36 by preventing any portion of the rail 26from extending between the first arm 46 and the second arm 54, whichwould prevent the first arm 46 and the second arm 54 from beingcompressed toward each other.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 through 6, the first arm 46 and the second arm54 include a fastener length FL extending along an axis X. The tab 64may include a tab length TL along the axis X less than the fastenerlength FL. Alternatively, the tab 64 may include a tab length TLsubstantially equal to the fastener length FL. It should be appreciatedthat if the tab length TL is substantially equal to the fastener lengthFL, the tab 64 will appear to be merely a continuation of the distal endof the second arm 54 over the distal end of the first arm 46.

Preferably, the fasteners 42 are manufactured from and comprise apolymer. The polymer preferably includes nylon 6/6. However, it shouldbe appreciated that the polymer may include a polymer other than nylon6/6, and that the fastener 42 may be manufactured from and comprise amaterial other than a polymer, so long as the material permits the firstarm 46 and the second arm 54 to compress toward each other withoutfracturing or otherwise breaking.

To attach the tonneau cover 22, the first arm 46 and the second arm 54of each of the fasteners 42 are disposed adjacent the channel opening36. Pressure is applied to each of the fasteners 42 in turn, therebycompressing the first arm 46 and the second arm 54 together to a pointat which the circular cross section defines the compressed diameter D2,which is less than the width of the channel opening 36. Once the firstarm 46 and the second arm 54 are pressed through the channel opening 36,the biasing device 62 spreads the first arm 46 and the second arm 54back into the neutral position, in which the circular cross sectiondefines the non-compressed diameter D1 that is greater than the channelwidth, thereby restraining the first arm 46 and the second arm 54 of thefastener 42 within the rail 26 and urging the first lip 38 and thesecond lip 40 into the pockets 52, 60 defined by the convex portions 50,58 of the first arm 46 and the second arm 54. The fasteners 42 mayengage the rail 26 at any location along the elongated channel 34, andare slideably within the elongated channel 34.

The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with therelevant legal standards; thus, the description is exemplary rather thanlimiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosedembodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art and do comewithin the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of legalprotection afforded this invention can only be determined by studyingthe following claims.

1. A fastener for detachably coupling a flexible cover to a rail including an elongated channel having a channel opening defining an opening width, said fastener comprising: a plate; a first arm extending from said plate to a distal end and including a concave portion having an arcuate shape; and a second arm extending from said plate in spaced relationship to said first arm to a distal end and including a concave portion having an arcuate shape opposing said concave portion of said first arm and cooperating with said concave portion of said first arm to define a generally circular cross section having a non-compressed diameter greater than the opening width of the channel opening with said first arm and said second arm compressible toward each other to define a compressed diameter less than the opening width of the channel opening to permit insertion of said first arm and said second arm into the elongated channel and removal of said first arm and said second arm from the elongated channel.
 2. A fastener as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a biasing device for biasing said distal end of said first arm and said distal end of said second arm into a neutral position defining said non-compressed diameter.
 3. A fastener as set forth in claim 2 wherein said biasing device includes a spring.
 4. A fastener as set forth in claim 3 wherein said spring includes a bent spring bar.
 5. A fastener as set forth in claim 1 wherein said distal end of said second arm is spaced from said plate a distance greater than said distal end of said first arm is spaced.
 6. A fastener as set forth in claim 5 wherein said second arm includes a tab extending from said distal end of said second arm towards and over said distal end of said first arm in overlapping relationship.
 7. A fastener as set forth in claim 6 wherein said first arm and said second arm include a fastener length extending along an axis and said tab includes a tab length along said axis less than said fastener length.
 8. A fastener as set forth in claim 6 wherein said first arm and said second arm include a fastener length extending along an axis and said tab includes a tab length along said axis equal to said fastener length.
 9. A fastener as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first arm includes a convex portion interconnecting said plate and said concave portion of said first arm and said second arm includes a convex portion interconnecting said plate and said concave portion of said second arm wherein each of said convex portions of said first arm and said second arm defines a pocket for engaging said rail when said fastener is disposed within said elongated channel.
 10. A fastener as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a polymer.
 11. A fastener as set forth in claim 1 wherein said polymer includes nylon.
 12. A fastening system comprising: a cover; a rail including an elongated channel having a channel opening defining an opening width; and a plurality of fasteners attached to said cover for detachably coupling said cover to said rail, each of said plurality of fasteners including: a plate; a first arm extending from said plate to a distal end and including a concave portion having an arcuate shape; and a second arm extending from said plate in spaced relationship to said first arm to a distal end and including a concave portion having an arcuate shape opposing said concave portion of said first arm and cooperating with said concave portion of said first arm to define a generally circular cross section having a non-compressed diameter greater than said opening width of said channel opening with said first arm and said second arm compressible toward each other to define a compressed diameter less than said opening width of said channel opening to permit insertion of said plurality of fasteners into said elongated channel and removal of said plurality of fasteners from said elongated channel.
 13. A system as set forth in claim 12 wherein each of said plurality of fasteners further includes a biasing device for biasing said distal end of said first arm and said distal end of said second arm into a neutral position defining said non-compressed diameter.
 14. A system as set forth in claim 13 wherein said biasing device includes a spring.
 15. A system as set forth in claim 14 wherein said spring includes a bent spring bar.
 16. A system as set forth in claim 12 wherein said distal end of said second arm is spaced from said plate a distance greater than said distal end of said first arm is spaced.
 17. A system as set forth in claim 16 wherein said second arm includes a tab extending from said distal end of said second arm towards and over said distal end of said first arm in overlapping relationship.
 18. A system as set forth in claim 17 wherein said first arm and said second arm include a fastener length extending along an axis and said tab includes a tab length along said axis less than said fastener length.
 19. A system as set forth in claim 17 wherein said first arm and said second arm include a fastener length extending along an axis and said tab includes a tab length along said axis equal to said fastener length.
 20. A system as set forth in claim 12 wherein said first arm includes a convex portion interconnecting said plate and said concave portion of said first arm and said second arm includes a convex portion interconnecting said plate and said concave portion of said second arm wherein each of said convex portions of said first arm and said second arm defines a pocket for engaging said rail when said fastener is disposed within said elongated channel.
 21. A system as set forth in claim 12 wherein said plurality of fasteners comprise a polymer.
 22. A system as set forth in claim 21 wherein said polymer includes nylon.
 23. A system as set forth in claim 12 wherein said rail includes: a base wall; a top wall spaced from and generally parallel to said base wall; and a vertical wall extending from said base wall to said top wall; said base wall including a first lip and said top wall including a second lip with said first lip and said second lip extending toward each other to define said channel opening between said first lip and said second lip.
 24. A system as set forth in claim 23 wherein said rail comprises a metal.
 25. A system as set forth in claim 24 wherein said metal comprises aluminum. 